Expat Story: Dave relocated from the UK to Hamburg, Germany

Dave is a marketing/brand design professional who left a hard-earned and successful career in retail marketing management and wanted to pursue a work/study route to change careers. Despite all the preparations and positive outlook for this move, Dave was in culture shock for the first few months after arrival in Germany. His initial concerns were two-fold: firstly, how to bring some stability to the overwhelming feelings of being uprooted as a first-time expat; and secondly, to establish an immediate support system both locally and virtually so he could take control and achieve a new work identity.

Dave's coach recommended a number of resources to assist with the culture shock and suggested that Dave explore using volunteer work to diversify his skills and develop new competencies. It was also an easy way for him to develop his personal, social and professional networks. Dave discovered that by taking one small step in his personal network to secure a volunteer role at the international school, this would lead to a paid freelance contract and the opportunity to set up his own consultancy. With this small success under his belt, Dave began working on his Linked-In profile, joined new groups and professional forums and launched his own “expat blog.” He has since set up a successful independent marketing consultancy and launched his own website

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